After plans fell through to visit the Swamp on Thursday, IMG Academy wide receiver [autotag]Donovan Olugbode[/autotag] made time to stop by the University of Florida on Saturday.
Olugbode left town far more intrigued with the Orange and Blue than he expected, according to Swamp247. Getting a look at a new offense in person and seeing DJ Lagway work will have that effect. He’s also close with receiver Jerrae Hawkins from their time together at IMG.
“We talked a lot about how much he likes it,” Olugbode said of his conversations with Hawkins. “Just talking about the things they have. He talks a lot about Lagway. He talks about how easy the offense is to learn. He said you can play fast out there.”
A smooth and efficient practice on Saturday backed up Hawkins’ claims. Olugbode made note of wide receivers coach Billy Gonzalez’s knowledge and passion for the game.
Official visit in the works?
The next step for Olugbode and Florida would be to organize an official visit, but a buy summer travel schedule has those plans up in the air.
“I have all my dates put out for June official visits,” he said. “I was going to try and work some things out so I can get Florida for an official visit. Nothing set, but I am thinking about getting there possibly.”
There’s a lot of hedging going on in that statement, so Olugbode is far from a lock to get back on campus. This trip did a lot for Florida, though, so maybe he’ll make room.
Recruiting summary
Olugbode is No. 145 overall and No. 18 among wide receivers in the class of 2025, according to the 247Sports composite, and the On3 industry ranking has him at No. 135 nationally and No. 17 at his position.
On3s Recruiting Prediction Machine favors Florida with a 37.2% chance to land a commitment from Olugbode, but USC is close behind with 32.6% odds. Illinois (9.9%) is the only other program with more than a 1% chance, according to the RPM.
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.